Puerto Maldonado, Peru - A Travel Guide
Last Updated: October 24, 2021
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ABOUT PUERTO MALDONADO | SHOULD I GO? | WHAT TO DO | WHERE TO STAY | WHERE TO EAT | WHERE TO PARTY
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The Amazon Rainforest
Puerto Maldonado is set in the Amazon Rainforest, to the southeast of Peru and the northeast of the fascinating and famous Cusco and Machu Pichu. The small village has its own airport and sits alongside the fast-flowing Rio Madre De Dios, which in turn, many miles away, joins with the raging Amazon River.
This little town is known as the entrance to the Amazon, at least on the Peruvian side. The busy river acts as a fast-flowing route into the Rainforest, as well as a fishing lane and travel highway between other smaller villages within the Amazon borders. The village isn’t large as you may imagine for a travel hub, and the roads are often sandy and dusty, which in honesty just adds to the charm of this quirky little place.
Overall, the main reason you would come here is to start your exploration of one of the most incredible areas on the planet.
My Time in the Trees
We arrived at the weirdest airport I had been to.
We landed on a strip surrounded by trees, only just wide enough for the plane to land. Once we had landed we drove to the warehouse within the town where we had to ditch our bags, and only take what was necessary for the 3 nights in the rainforest.
Once we had got ourselves sorted we headed in Jeeps to the river, where our boats were waiting to take us upriver, deep within the rainforest, to a small clearing on the river's edge.
We spent 3 nights in the rainforest, taking part in night walks, rowing around the lakes and rivers, playing football with the locals, and enjoying a little local tipple on an evening. We learned about the animals, the trees and plants within the rainforest around us.
One story that will always stay with me was being woken around 4 A.M by a roar just outside my hut. I knew exactly what it was, it was the jaguar. Without thinking I grabbed my camera and ran to the guides hut. The guide answered the door in a Batman outfit, wellington boots, and a machete. We then ran into the rainforest in search of the jaguar. Sadly, but probably luckily, we didn’t see one.
Some of my fondest memories lie within the Amazon and I really would love to return for a longer period of time. The animals were awesome, and the sounds bouncing through the trees were overwhelming. This was one of the best things we have ever done, a truly unforgettable experience.
So Should I go there?
100% yes!
I know I'm biased as it has always been a dream of mine to go to the Amazon, but it not only met expectations - it exceeded them. There is something magical about being miles from anywhere that can even remotely call itself civilisation. When you couple that feeling with the sounds, smells and beauty, it’s unbeatable. Anyone who has watched a David Attenborough documentary about the Amazon and thought ‘wow’, well you just have to go. It’s even better in person.
There will be opportunities to see some of the most amazing wildlife you are ever likely to see in your life, stay in stunning wooden cabins, eat as the locals do, and take stock of life in the peace and quiet with the only sounds you’ll hear is that of the animals and Mother Nature. It is a great place to think and take yourself away from the chaos that is life.
Within the ‘Should I Go There’ section I try to speak about both the pros and cons. So with that thought in mind, I have racked my brains and have thought of a con: if you enjoy a five-star hotel, decent electricity, Wi-Fi and being clean, then I would have a long hard think about coming. Whilst there are great facilities, you will be thrown back to basics. I understand this isn’t for everyone.
What to do when Backpacking Puerto Maldonado
I'm going to be honest and say that whilst this is one of my favourite experiences whilst travelling, there isn’t a lot to do in the town. The town itself is there purely as a starting point for your tour into the rainforest.
However, once you land or arrive in the town and make your way up the river, you soon realise that ‘things to do’ don’t matter. It is all about where you are, the surroundings and the sounds, the experiences of living and staying in the rainforest soon outclass any ‘to do’ activity that a normal city can offer.
There are nonetheless things you should do. You have to take a trip on the river using the local transports, spotting some of the impressive wildlife chilling on the banks. I highly recommend a guided night walk through the rainforest too, we can't advise you go off on your own!
Where to Stay Whilst Backpacking Puerto Maldonado
There are a vast number of places to stay within the town, with prices ranging from 105 SOL to 1050 SOL (£25 to about £240 per night). However, the best advice we can give is to head up the river and stay in the jungle lodges that line the riverbanks. Whilst all are similar in the fact that they are wooden chalets built around an opening surrounded by the Amazon, there are huge differences when it comes to costs. All though, from what I have seen are stunning and offer the rainforest experience.
Where to Eat When Backpacking Puerto Maldonado
I am once again sorry to say this is not really a section we can talk about within the area, we ate foods within the rainforest and at the jungle lodge every night, most of which was prepared by the locals. One thing I did enjoy more than most was their chicken and rice wrapped in banana leaf - it was delicious.
Where to Drink and Party when Backpacking Puerto Maldonado
Again, I am afraid this is not really relevant, as the area is not here for its drinking or partying. It is the complete opposite and getting drunk and partying would feel wrong. Although, our retreat did come with a fully stocked ba
What You'll Need to Blend In
Camouflage Gear
A Love of Wild Animals
A Boat
Medical Kit for Jungle Life
